Trump outlines new measures for DACA immigrants, Democrats reject it
The White House has listed several measures which US President Donald Trump insists should be part of any legislation for the recently deferred Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programme. The measures include funding for Trump's controversial border wall, faster deportations and hiring thousands of new immigration personnel. The move represents a complete turnaround from the DACA "deal" reportedly reached between Trump and Democrats.
On September 5, President Trump terminated the 'Dreamers' program which aimed to protect 8 lakh young immigrants brought illegally to the US as children, from being deported. Earlier, on behalf of the Congress, Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan had urged Trump to reconsider terminating Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), an Obama-era policy. It provides work and study permits to thousands of so-called "Dreamers."
The DACA program intends to protect youth under 30, termed "Dreamers" from deportation. Under the program, the selected applicants are provided study or work permits after the FBI thoroughly verifies their personal information. In return, the US government defers action based on their immigration status for two years. At least 800,000 Dreamers, mostly from Latin America and Mexico are currently under DACA protection.
Construction of a wall along US-Mexico border. The employment of an additional 10,000 immigration and customs personnel, and 1,000 immigration attorneys. Employing 370 additional immigration judges and 300 federal prosecutors. A ban on extended family members of immigrants from coming to the US. Companies should use an E-Verify programme ensuring illegal immigrants don't get jobs. The measures pretty much encompass Trump's immigration agenda.
Three weeks ago, Trump had reportedly agreed to a deal with Congressional Democrats to not veto any bill granting citizenship to the Dreamers. In return, the Democrats had acceded to unspecified demands by Trump on border security. The White House hasn't confirmed any such deal but Trump, who tweeted in favor of the Dreamers, indicated his willingness to sign a bill without many demands.
The Democrats have outright rejected the White House proposals. "The administration can't be serious about compromise or helping the Dreamers if they begin with a list that is anathema to the Dreamers," the Democrats said. "If the president was serious about protecting the Dreamers, his staff has not made a good faith effort to do so," they added.
